SL really are commited to test cricket !!For 2013 they have just postponed a 3 test series against SA after already scrapping a 2 test series against WI.They have just 4 tests next year - 2 against BA and 2 against ZM. Sign of the times I suppose.

If enthusiasm for test cricket in countries such as Sri Lanka is waning surely this would be a good time for more countries to be included who would be interested - I'm thinking specifically of the likes of Ireland who have been knocking on the door for some time and where the standard of cricket is rapidly improving.

SL really are commited to test cricket !!For 2013 they have just postponed a 3 test series against SA after already scrapping a 2 test series against WI.They have just 4 tests next year - 2 against BA and 2 against ZM. Sign of the times I suppose.

I'm not sure the matches against BA have been granted test status. I'm sure that some of the criteria are that the players should be sober (moderately) and not in fancy dress.

Jesting aside, it would appear that only we are welcome Test visitors, and even then only if we allow them to fleece us. Some would find it difficult to find sympathy with the SL's and their current plight, because it is purely financial why they need a surfeit of ODI's and T20. I am not one, but I can see the board putting up the bankruptcy sign very soon and all the inherent problems that will cause.

SL really are commited to test cricket !!For 2013 they have just postponed a 3 test series against SA after already scrapping a 2 test series against WI.They have just 4 tests next year - 2 against BA and 2 against ZM. Sign of the times I suppose.

I'm not sure the matches against BA have been granted test status. I'm sure that some of the criteria are that the players should be sober (moderately) and not in fancy dress.

Jesting aside, it would appear that only we are welcome Test visitors, and even then only if we allow them to fleece us. Some would find it difficult to find sympathy with the SL's and their current plight, because it is purely financial why they need a surfeit of ODI's and T20. I am not one, but I can see the board putting up the bankruptcy sign very soon and all the inherent problems that will cause.

I am sure you are right. The SL cricket board is as you say virtually bankrupt, so it is easy to see why they are rapidly losing interest in hosting loss making test matches. Do the ICC have a responsibility to financially support test cricket for some countries/series, in the same way as they support the affiliates and the ladies.

Whilst I'm all in favour of supporting test match cricket, financial backing to effectively bribe them to play is not the answer. Having gotten themselves into this predicament, it is their responsibility to manufacture the means of getting out of it. With our supporting in terms of providing the opposition not in giving handouts, never mind the fact that most test playing nations have barely enough cash to supporting their own sides.it is to everyones interest that they pull through, but like all facets of life they have to do it themselves and I believe they haven't the actual desire, at board level, to do the hard yards. Sorry times I'm afraid.

Whilst I'm all in favour of supporting test match cricket, financial backing to effectively bribe them to play is not the answer. Having gotten themselves into this predicament, it is their responsibility to manufacture the means of getting out of it. With our supporting in terms of providing the opposition not in giving handouts, never mind the fact that most test playing nations have barely enough cash to supporting their own sides.it is to everyones interest that they pull through, but like all facets of life they have to do it themselves and I believe they haven't the actual desire, at board level, to do the hard yards. Sorry times I'm afraid.

The only way they're ever going to get out of the hole they've dug themselves is to either be declared bankrupt or to be bailed out by their government, the ICC or the BCCI. I doubt even the ticket rip-off perpetuated on the English will have made much of a dent in their debts.

What's more, in the forthcoming series against NZ they won't now be getting anything from Sport Radio as a result of the latter refusing to pay the grossly inflated prices being demanded for broadcasting from inside the grounds.

The problems they face are not entirely of their own making, but the money spent on their megalomaniac projects in preparation for co-hosting the World Cup account for the lion's share of the debt.